Free Fitbit upgrade dished out to owners of 4 popular models – but users want Google to ‘bring back’ a much-missed tool
GOOGLE has launched a massive upgrade programme for four of its popular Fitbit devices with some new features and improvements.
Users have been critical of some changes to Fitbit since Google took it over in 2019 for $2.1billion.
People were not impressed with a new simplified design that became available last year.
But now the company is urging Fitbit owners to update their device to receive the latest features and improvements.
There are four models that are eligible and each will get different updates:
- Charge 6
- Sense 2
- Versa 4
- Inspire 3
“We release updates to all customers in phases,” Google explained.
“If an update is available but you don’t get it, check the app again later.
“We recommend plugging your Fitbit device into the charger before starting an update.”
However, some users hit back online, saying they would rather have one old feature reinstated: challenges.
“Bring back challenges,” one person wrote on Reddit.
Another called for a dark mode to be introduced.
Here’s what you can expect to see on each model getting updates.
Fitbit Charge 6
- The Charge 6 is now able to auto-recognise six workout types: running, walking, biking, elliptical, rowing, and spinning.
- Improvements have been made to GPS accuracy with better switching between on-board and connected GPS during a workout
- There are also some bug fixes and improvements.
Fitbit Inspire 3
- You can now easily check the time while in exercise mode.
- The Inspire 3 is now able to auto-recognise six workout types: running, walking, biking, elliptical, rowing, and spinning.
- All exercise modes are now available in the Exercise app, and your most recently used modes appear at the top.
- The names of the heart-rate zones have been changed to make them clearer
- There are also some bug fixes and improvements.
Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4
The Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 both receive the same upgrades, which are:
- YouTube Music controls are now available on Versa 4. This makes it possible to navigate between playlists, skip or replay songs, and adjust the volume from your Fitbit device. You’ll need a compatible phone within Bluetooth range and a YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium subscription.
- Screen magnification is now available on Versa 4. Turn on Magnify to zoom in when you triple-tap the screen. Choose between 2x and 3x magnification.
- The names of the heart-rate zones have been changed to make them clearer
- Your device can now auto-recognise three new workout types: elliptical, rowing, and spinning.
- GPS accuracy has been improved by better switching between on-board and connected GPS during a workout.
- There are also some bug fixes and improvements.
How to update my Fitbit
You can update your Fitbit at any time by ensuring your device is near your phone with the Fitbit app open.
Go to the Today tab, then find Device, where you should see your Fitbit model’s image.
Tap on the pink Update button.
If you don’t see it here, it means there is no update available to you at the moment.
Remember, updates are rolled out in phases so you will receive it at some point.